How does the Coalition’s super scheme for first-homebuyers work and would it drive up prices?

The idea of accessing super to buy housing has been criticised in the past – including by former Liberals – but Scott Morrison argues the scheme will support savings, not destroy them. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

All wage-earners in Australia are required to build up a nest egg for their retirement with at least 10% of their income paid into superannuation savings.

But as housing has become less and less affordable, some commentators have suggested that workers’ savings should be put towards a home first and super second.